Question 1

How do you authenticate an antiquarian book before purchase?

Accepted Answer

Every La Librairie Antique listing explicitly mentions the first edition status (E.O. or 1st edition), print run, publication date (colophon), binding type (leather, parchment, gilding), format (12mo, folio, etc.), and detailed condition (foxing, dampstains, repairs if any). We provide multiple high-resolution photos. For items above 500 EUR, a provenance certificate is included when available.

Question 2

Do you ship to the United States? Will I pay import duties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Antiquarian books ship duty-free to the USA under HTS code 9903.01.31 ("informational materials" exception, still valid after the August 2025 de-minimis suspension). Delivery: 7-12 days via Colissimo International tracked, 3-5 days via DHL Express. State sales tax may apply depending on your state (typically 0-9%).

Question 3

What payment methods do you accept from international buyers?

Accepted Answer

All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB), PayPal with Buyer Protection (recommended for non-EU customers), SEPA bank transfer for Europe, and SWIFT international wire for orders above 2000 EUR. Stripe-secured checkout (PCI-DSS Level 1).

Question 4

What is your return policy?

Accepted Answer

30-day return window for international buyers. Full refund (including return shipping) if the book does not match our description. Convenience returns: buyer covers return postage, refund issued upon receipt of the book in its original condition.

Question 5

How can I verify a first edition?

Accepted Answer

A first edition (often abbreviated E.O. in French) is the first published version of a work. Identifiers: print run statement at the front/back, colophon date, paper and format specifications, reference bibliographies (Vicaire, Carteret for French literature, Sadleir for 19th century English literature). Every listing mentions first edition status explicitly when applicable.

An empty cart

An empty cart

Enter your keyword

Livres anciens, de collection

Napoleon's Private Life❦ AUBRY OCTAVE VIE PRIVEE DE NAPOLEON

Napoleon's journal from exile❦ Napoléon Las Cases Mémorial de Sainte-Hélène ou journal ou se trouve 1824

Persian Letters by Montesquieu❦ MINI MONTESQUIEU Les lettres persanes 1826

Court, City & Provincial Directory 1829❦ Almanach de la cour, de la ville et des départemens. Pour l’année 1829

Epic poem on Henry IV of France❦ VOLTAIRE La Henriade EISEN

The Oath of Daalia - Illustrated Edition❦ Ivoi (Paul) Le Serment de Daalia ilustré par Bombled

General Fricassier - Comic sketches❦ Nadar Sta 1882 Le Général Fricassier

The Dreyfus Affair: Historical Account❦ affaire Dreyfus Reinach HISTOIRE DE L’AFFAIRE DREYFUS + dédicaces

Violette Nozières - Poems, Drawings, Letters & Documents❦ Violette Nozières. Poèmes, Dessins, Correspondance, Documents

Five colored prints by Roubille❦ 5 estampes en couleurs de Roubille

Rarities and Curiosities❦ CURIOSA Manoel Pirapora

The Trial of Robert Brasillach❦ Brasillach ISORNI PROCES DE ROBERT BRASILLACH

Autograph Letter Signed by Maurice DRUON❦ Maurice DRUON lettre autographes signée

Peugeot 203: Complete Model Guide❦ peugeot Votre 203 Peugeot : . 8e édition. Tous modèles

Plaster Medal 57 mm❦ Médaille en plâtre 57 mm.

📦 We ship antiquarian books worldwide

The shop

Information

Newsletter

Follow us